Ask a dozen golfers What is the golf capital of the US? and you'll likely get a dozen different answers, each one defended with passionate certainty. The truth is, there isn't one definitive answer, but rather a few powerhouse destinations that have legitimate claims to the throne. This article will break down the top contenders, exploring what makes each a true golf mecca, so you can decide which 'capital' is the right one for your next golf adventure.
If you're going by sheer numbers and a general vote of confidence among vacationing golfers, Myrtle Beach stands tall. This stretch of South Carolina coast proudly calls itself the "Golf Capital of the World," and frankly, it's hard to argue with the volume. With somewhere around 90 courses compacted into one area, it offers an incredible density and variety that’s unmatched anywhere else.
Myrtle Beach is the definition of a golf destination built for golfers. The entire ecosystem of the city is designed to accommodate visiting players. This is the place for buddy trips, family golf vacations, and anyone looking for an all-you-can-play buffet of great golf. The accessibility is a huge factor, it’s relatively easy to get to, and more importantly, it offers options for every budget. You can find high-end, nationally-ranked courses rubbing shoulders with friendly, affordable tracks that are perfect for a casual round.
The atmosphere in Myrtle Beach is pure fun. It's casual, laid-back, and focused on having a good time. Post-round seafood platters and cold beers are just as much a part of the experience as the golf itself.
My coaching tip: Lean into the package deals. Local packagers have the system dialed in and can set you up with lodging and multiple rounds at different courses for a great price. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds and save some money, consider planning your trip for the "shoulder seasons" - late spring or early fall - when the weather is still perfect, but the prices and tee times are a little more friendly.
If Myrtle Beach is the People’s capital, then the stretch of South Florida around Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter is the Professionals’ capital. Go down the list of the world’s top tour players - Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson - and you’ll find that a massive percentage of them call this area home. And where the pros go, incredible golf is sure to follow.
The PGA of America has its headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens for a reason. This region isn't just about fun vacation golf, it's about championship-caliber golf. The courses are meticulously manicured, strategically demanding, and built to test the best players in the world. Playing here feels like you're stepping into the big leagues. The weather is another massive bonus, providing perfect year-round conditions for golf lovers.
The vibe here is a bit more polished and upscale than Myrtle Beach. It feels like serious golf country. Expect pristine conditions and strategic questions asked on every tee box. You’ll be thinking your way around the course as much as swinging your way around it.
My coaching tip: You don't need a private membership to experience the region. Resorts like PGA National offer public access to their championship courses. Focus on course management. These tracks are designed to punish mistakes, so playing smart, conservative golf and avoiding the big numbers is more important than trying to overpower the course.
While other regions may compete on quantity, no destination in the United States can touch the Monterey Peninsula when it comes to sheer, jaw-dropping quality and beauty. This isn't just golf, this is a bucket-list, spiritual experience. Home to maybe the most famous course in the world, it represents the pinnacle of bucket-list golf.
Monterey’s claim is rooted in its dramatic landscape - the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the craggy cliffs, the majestic cypress trees. Courses here are not just built on the land, they are part of the land. Golf on the Monterey Peninsula is an aesthetic experience as much as a sporting one. A handful of courses here are perpetually ranked among the best on the planet.
The atmosphere is one of awe and reverence. Golfers here know they are treading on hallowed ground. It's less about partying and more about appreciating the artistry of the courses and the beauty of the surroundings. It's a special, and often expensive, pilgrimage.
My coaching tip: To guarantee a tee time at Pebble Beach, you generally need to book a stay at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts and do it many months, or even a year, in advance. If that’s not feasible, great "nearby" options like Pasatiempo (another MacKenzie masterpiece) or Pacific Grove (often called the "Poor Man's Pebble") offer a fantastic taste of California golf at a fraction of the cost.
If golf has a soul in America, it lives in the sandy soil of Pinehurst. This isn't just a collection of courses, it's a living museum of golf history. With the USGA building its second headquarters here, Pinehurst's position as "The Cradle of American Golf" is more secure than ever.
History and tradition are Pinehurst’s calling card. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, the resort opened in 1895, and its centerpiece, Pinehurst No. 2, is considered Ross’s Mona Lisa. This is a place that honors the game’s roots. The entire village is planned around golf, creating an immersive experience where everything revolves around the sport.
Pinehurst is for the purist. The vibe is quiet, respectful, and classic. People walk the village streets in the evening, soaking in the history that hangs in the air. This isn't the place for nightclubs, it's the place for reflecting on your round over a quiet drink at The Deuce, the Tappster, or the classic Pine Crest Inn.
My coaching tip: Embrace the full experience. Stay at one of the resort hotels, walk the halls filled with memorabilia, and play more than just No. 2. A day spent playing The Cradle gives you a deeper appreciation for the simple joy of the game. On No. 2, your goal should be to leave your ego in the car - focus on hitting the middle of those greens and accepting that bogeys are not your enemy.
There's no wrong answer. The "best" golf capital is the one that best matches what you're looking for as a golfer. As your coach, here’s how I’d help you decide:
As you can see, there isn't one "Golf Capital of the US," but a collection of incredible hubs, each offering a distinct experience. The best one depends entirely on your personal golf priorities - whether you value variety, prestige, scenery, or history the most. Choosing any of them for your next trip is a decision you won’t regret.
No matter which golf capital you want to visit on your next outing, showing up prepared for challenging, unfamiliar courses is half the battle. This is precisely why we created Caddie AI - to give you an on-demand course expert wherever you play. Picture yourself standing on a Par 5 at a course you’ve never played, unsure of the right strategy. You can instantly get a smart tee-to-green plan. Or, if you put yourself in a tough spot in the rough, you can snap a photo of your lie, and The app will give you straightforward advice on how to handle it. Think of it as having your own trusted caddie and coach in your pocket, making you a more confident, smarter player on any course.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
